Four tips to help you navigate the uncertainty and build a resilient career.
Being your boss can be stressful as a freelancer, especially when unsure about the future. Running your own business creates a lot of uncertainty. Even though I have just started my journey as a freelancer, I have already experienced many ups and downs and mood swings.
In this article, I will share four tips that have helped me navigate the competitive freelance world and deal with its uncertainties.
Tip 1: Have a clear goal/roadmap in mind.
I believe that having a clear goal is crucial for one’s productivity. Without it, it’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed, like running a never-ending marathon. In my previous article, I shared the process I use to create a roadmap that helps me stay grounded and focused as I adopt the “slow productivity” approach.
Before I had a clear roadmap, I used to worry about what was coming next for my freelance business. I constantly felt like I wasn’t doing enough, and there were always loads of things I could do to move my business forward. However, with the help of the roadmap, I can now see things clearly and focus on doing the right things at the right time. I set aside my anxious thoughts and decided to trust the process without worrying about the outcome.
Once I put all my thoughts on paper, organized them, prioritized them, and turned them into an action plan, I began concentrating on the work. I can accomplish more while working less by keeping the “slow productivity” approach in mind. Most importantly, I am excited and happy whenever I wake up to work on my business. I avoid burning myself out and rushing through things that make me anxious.
Tip 2: Know that good things take time to cultivate.
Reading about the glamorous lives and achievements of others on social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can often be discouraging. However, it’s important to remember that we don’t know the hard work and struggles that went behind the scenes. Success means different things to different people, so focusing on our goals and aspirations is crucial rather than living in other people’s dreams. Clear your mind and stay laser-focused on your roadmap to success. Be patient and trust the process, as good things take time to cultivate. Don’t let the noise and distractions steer you away from your goals.
When in doubt, it’s helpful to remind yourself why you started your freelance business in the first place. Think back to the excitement you felt at the beginning and the sense of reward that comes with building your own business from scratch. You can reassure yourself that you’re on the right path to achieving your dreams, even if it takes time to see the results. Remember that it’s a long-term game; all you need to do is stay focused on what’s important and keep moving forward.
“The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit.”
Tip 3: Focus on the craft and obsess over quality.
I love delving into the details of my work and spending hours researching things that matter only to me. Even though no one may notice the difference in the final result, the satisfaction of obsessing over something to make it perfect is wonderful. I enjoy spending time digging into details that may seem minor to others. One of the advantages of working alone is that I get to decide what to focus on and how long to work on it, as long as I can deliver the result within the set time.
All these moments of obsession make me feel happy and satisfied while working. It often doesn’t feel like work anymore; it gives me a sense of achievement throughout the process. Focusing on my craft helps me realize how little I know about each topic. There are so many things to learn and so much growth potential. It keeps me motivated and moving forward towards my goals.
Tip 4: Remember to take breaks and recharge yourself.
Taking breaks and recharging yourself is crucial to building a resilient freelance career. It is important to turn off the switch sometimes and allow yourself to recharge and absorb things outside of work. It can be as simple as taking a 15-minute break for a quick walk or a month-long break to discover and enjoy other interests.
These breaks might give you unexpected results. For instance, you might be inspired by something you see on your trip and find a better solution for things you are working on. Or even better, you might discover a new hobby, extend your break, and let yourself become obsessed with the latest thing.
Taking breaks allows you to discover different things and stay curious. It keeps you refreshed and excited to take on the challenging adventures ahead.
Conclusion
Building a successful business is a long-term endeavor that requires patience and dedication. To be able to stay motivated and excited:
- Have a clear roadmap and prioritize what’s important to you
- Be patient, trust the process, and know that good things take time to cultivate. Allow yourself time to be passionate about learning and growing.
- Rather than multitask, focus on fewer things and improve your craft.
Remember, it’s better to accomplish less by doing things well than to rush and do many things poorly. Finally, be kind to yourself, take breaks to recharge, and gain a fresh perspective on your work.